Satan, demons and the enemies of God stand squarely against good Catholic men and women.
We are outmatched and out-gunned. The forces of evil both spiritual and those within the world are numerous and bold. The demons are spiritual and powerful, while their earthly minions are vocal, condemning and often hidden in plain sight.
These forces are aligned against us with one purpose in mind – destroy the soul. They will attack in any manner it takes to trip you up and tear you down. They will come at souls in a full frontal assault in the form of possessions and other very visible attacks. But, the most common forms of attack are through simple temptation.
How can simple, mortal men stand against such a powerful spiritual demonic force?
Against direct assault – turn to the strength of the Church. She has the power to fight and cast out demons.
What about the most common and insidious form of attack? Temptation.
First off, follow St. John of the Cross. In Dark Night of the Soul, he wrote the best defense is to not engage them on their ground. When temptation comes, we tend to focus on fighting the temptation, of course. But, while focusing on the fight against the temptation, we are letting that temptation settle in our mind.
St. John and Evagrius of Pontus give a better way to fight back against temptations. Ask yourself, “what would Jesus do?” Follow the lead of our Lord. How did He fight against Satan? The Word of God used the word of God.
Instead of focusing on the temptation in the fight, look past it. As St. John of the Cross said, “look over its shoulder” and focus on Jesus. Don’t engage in a battle you can’t win, ignore the gorilla in the room – temptation.
Evagrius wrote a treatise called Antirrhetikos (Talking Back) in which he lists many scripture verses to wield against temptations and directly against the demons themselves.
When the temptation comes, and it will, focus your attention on the Word of God. Use the writings of God in the Bible to fight back by focusing your attention off the temptation and resting it upon God.
The Gospels are great for this. Of course the words in red of Jesus have added power. But, don’t forget about the Psalms. The psalms were written by David, a warrior, and often are prayers against attacks.
“St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”
Another way of saying it is: do the opposite of what temptation is telling you to do. Do the opposite of what demons want you to do. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, it’s easier than we think. It’s very helpful to pray: Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner.